Writing instrument



June 1951 R. J. MANSHEIM WRITING INSTRUMENT Filed Nov. 12, 1948 I N VEN TOR. kmaZW Patented June 12, 1951 WRITING INSTRUMENT Richard J. Mansheim, Fort Madison, Iowa, as-

signor to W. A. Sheafier Pen Company, Fort Madison, Iowa, a corporation of Delaware Application November 12, 1948, Serial No. 59,585

7 Claims.

1 My invention relates to a writing instrument and has for an object the provision of a simple and inexpensive writing instrument having a writing element within said instrument movable to an operative or projected position and to an inoperative or retracted position alternatively.

Another object of my invention is to provide a writing instrument in which the writing element is securely held in either a projected position or a retracted position and in which the position of the writing element is easily and positively controlled by a simple and reliable actuating mechanism.

. According to my invention, the writing element may be moved between the two said positions by alternatively pushing and pulling on an actuating mechanism. Accordingly, another object of my invention is to provide, what I term, a push-pull control of the writing element within the instrument.

My invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, and itsscope will be pointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a longitudinal broken cross-sectional view of a writing instrument embodying my invention and showing the writing element in the projected position;

,Fig. 2 is a similar view showing the writing element in its retracted position;

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view along the line 3-3 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view along the line 4-4 of Fig. 1; and

Fig. 5 is a partial cross-section similar to Fig 1' but showing an alternative embodiment of my invention.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, a barrel II forms the main body of the writing instrument. A writing element I2 is contained within the barrel I I. It will be noted that in the drawings I have shown my invention adapted to a ball point pen. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that my invention is equally adaptable to fountain pens, pencils and other writing instruments.

The writing point, the ball point I3 in the drawing, is contained within the barrel II when the writing element I2 is in its retracted position as shown in Fig. 2. When the writing element I2 is in its projected position, as shown in Fig. 1, the writing point l3 extends through an opening I4 at the lower end of the barrel II. It will be apparent that the projected position, shown in Fig. 1, is the operative or writing position, and that the retracted position, shown in Fig. 2, is the inoperative position. The latter position is provided to protect the writing point and to prevent the accidental staining of a garment or other article with which the instrument comes into contact. It will be noticed also that when the writing element I2 is in the inoperative or retracted position, this protection is obtained without the use of a cap. The writing element I2 is a replaceable cartridge and houses the usual ink reservoir and ink passageways leading to the ball point I3.

A compression spring I5 is located between a seat I6 attached to the inner surface of the barrel II and a shoulder I! on the writing element I2. This spring urges the writing element toward its retracted position. A holding member I8 is located within the barrel II above and axially abutting the writing element I2. The holding member I8 includes a latch I9 located within a slot I8a in the holding member I8 and is pivotally mounted thereon by means of a ring wire clip 20 positioned within a circumferential groove 20a formed in the holding member I8.

The upper end of the latch I9 is adapted to extend outwardly through an opening 2| in the side of the holding member I8. A leaf spring 22 mounted within slot IBa urges the upper end of the latch I9 toward its outward position.

When the writing element I2 is in its projected or operative position, the upper end of the latch I9 extends outwardly through the opening 2| under the influence of the spring 22 to a position in which the latch I9 engages a shoulder or catch 23 on the inner surface of a collar 23a secured to the end of the barrel I I. When the latch I9 is so engaged with the shoulder 23, it retains the holding member I 8 and hence the writing element I2 in their lower positions. This lower position for the writing element I2 is, of course, its projected or operating position.

In the embodiments shown, the holding member I8 and the writing element are separate parts. However, since the two parts are always in abutting relation in the particular embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the two parts can be made one. In ball point pens, it is common practice to make the writing element or cartridge removable and replaceable. In applying my invention to a ball point pen, it is, therefore, more economical and desirable to make the holding member separate from the Writing element in order that a smaller number of parts need be replaced.

In the instrument shown, the writing element can be removed and replaced by first removing the cap 3| from the upper portion Ha of the barrel with which it is in frictional telescopic engagement. The upper portion I la separates from the main body I I at the threaded connection I lb. The cartridge can then be readily replaced and the unit reassembled.

An actuating mechanism 24 surrounds the holding member IS. A downward force on any portion of the actuating mechanism 2G, for example on the upper portion 25 thereof, will force the holding member l8 downwardly through contact of the shoulder 25 of the actuating mechanism with the wire clip 28 of the holding member.

When the actuating mechanism has forced the holding member IS and the writing element l2 downwardly, the upper end of the latch 19 will move outwardly under the influence of the spring 22 through an opening 2| in the holding member l8, through a registering opening 21 in the actu- L ating mechanism 25, and into engagement with a shoulder 23 on the inner surface of the barrel II. The engagement of the latch l9 with the shoulder 23 prevents upward movement of the holding member [8 and hence of the writing element i2 when writing pressure is applied to the ball point l3.

However, when the cap 3! is manually pulled upwardly, the frictional engagement of the cap with the actuating mechanism 24 also permits the actuating mechanism to be pulled upwardly and the edge 28 of the opening 2? in the actuating mechanism 24 engages the sloping surface 29 of the latch l9 and forces the latch inwardly. After the latch I9 has been forced inwardly for a sufficient distance, its upper portion no longer engages the catch 23, and the holding member 18 and the writing element i2 move upwardly under the influence of the spring until the shoulder 38 of the actuating mechanism 24 engages the shoulder 23 of the collar 2311 on the barrel H. The writing element I2 is then located in its retracted position as shown in Fig. 2.

As previously indicated, the preferred embodiment includes the cap 3! having frictional engagement with the sides of the upper portion of the actuating mechanism 24 and the upper portion of the barrel Ha. With this arrangement, the cap 3! serves as a portion of the actu ating mechanism.

For convenience in carrying the writing instrument in a garment pocket, a pocket clip 32 is shown connected to the cap 3! by means of a spring 33.

In the embodiment of my invention illustrated by Fig. 5, the need of the spring 22 is eliminated. In this arrangement, the latch 19 has a dog or cam 31% extending downwardly from its lower end and engaging the upper end of the writing element l2. This arrangement permits the use of the spring [5 to urge the latch l 9 toward its outer or engaging position. The spring i5, as previously explained, urges the writing element [2 upwardly, and as will be readily understood from Fig. 5, this upward force is transmitted to the latch 19 through the cam 34 and urges the upper end of the latch 49 outwardly. In order to disengage the latch, the cap is merely pulled upwardly in the manner described above.

While I have shown and described two particuar embodiments of my invention in considerable detail, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from my invention in its broader aspects, and I, therefore, aim in the ap- 4 pended claims to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of my invention.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. A writing instrument comprising a body including a barrel having a lower end with an opening therethrough; a writing element located substantially within said barrel and movable therein to a retracted position and to a projected position, said element having a writing point which extends through said opening in said barrel when said element is in said projected position; a spring associated with said body and with said writing element and urging said element toward said retracted position; a holding member located above and axially abutting said writing element and movable between a first position, correspondiing to saidretracted position of said writing element, and a second position, corresponding to said projected position of said writing element, said member including a latch, pivotally mounted thereon and engageable with a catch on said body when said member is in said second position, said latch being resiliently urged into engagement with said catch; and an actuating mechanism for controlling the position of said writing element, said mechanism including a lower portion radially outward of and axially slidable with respect to said holding member and an upper portion extending without said body for manual control of said actuating mechanism, said lower portion being arranged to abut axially a shoulder on said holding member whereby said actuating mechanism can force said holding member and said writing element downwardly against the action of said spring to said second position and said projected position respectively, said lower portion also being arranged to slide upwardly along said holding member and over said latch to force said latch out of engagement with said catch, whereby said holding member and said writing element are free to move to said first position and said retracted position respectively under the influence of said spring.

2. A writing instrument comprising a body including a barrel having a lower end with an opening therethrough; a writing element located substantially within said barrel and movable therein to a retracted position and to a projected position, said element having a writing point which extends through said opening in said barrel when said element is in said projected position; a first spring associated with said body and said writing element and urging said element toward said retracted position; a holding member located above and axially abutting said writing element and movable between a first position, corresponding to said retracted position of said writing element, and a second position, corresponding to said projected position of said writing element, said member including a latch pivotally mounted thereon and engageable with a catch on said body when said member is in said second position, said holding member also including a second spring mounted thereon which urges said latch into engagement with said catch; and an actuating mechanism for controlling the position of said writing element, said mechanism including a lower portion radially outward of and axially slidacl with respect to said holding member and an upper portion extending without said bcdy for manual control of said actuating mechanisi'h, said lower portion being arranged to abut axially a shoulder on said holding member whereby said actuating mechanism can force said holding member and said writing element downwardly against the action of said first spring to said second position and said projected position respectively, said lower portion also being arranged to slide upwardly along said holding member and over said latch to force said latch out of engagement with said catch against the action of said second spring, whereby said holding member and said writing element are free to move to said first position'and said retracted position respectively under the infiuence of said first spring.

3. A writing instrument comprising a barrel having a lower end with an opening therethrough; a writing element located within said barrel and movable therein to a retracted 1305i.- tion and to a projected position, said element having a writing point which extends through said opening in said barrel when said element is in said projected position; a first spring located within said barrel and, urging said element toward said retracted position; a holding member located within said barrel above and axially abutting said writing element and movable between a first position, corresponding to said retracted position of said writing element, and asecond position, corresponding to said projected position of said writing element, said member including a latch pivotally mounted thereon and engageable with a catch on the inner surface of said barrel when said member is in said second position, said holding member also including a second spring mounted thereon which urges said latch into engagement with said catch; and an actuating mechanism for controlling the position of said writing element, said mechanism including a ring portion within said barrel and surrounding a portion of said holding member and an upper portion extending without said barrel for manual control of said actuating mechanism, said ring portion being arranged to abut axially a shoulder on said holding member whereby said actuating mechanism can force said holding member and said writing element downwardly against the action of said first spring to said second position and said projected position respectively,

said ring portion also being arranged to slide upwardly along said holding member and over said latch to force said latch out of engagement with said catch against the action of said second spring, whereby said holding member and said writing element are free to move to said first position and said retracted position respectively under the influence of said first spring.

4. A writing instrument comprising a body including a barrel having a lower end with an opening therethrough; a writing element located substantially within said barrel and movable therein to a retracted position and to a projected position, said element having a writing point which extends through said opening in said barrel when said element is in said projected position; a first spring associated with said body and said writing element and urging said element toward said retracted position; said element including a latch pivotally mounted thereon and engageable with a catch on said body when said element is in said projected position, said writing element also including a second spring mounted thereon which urges said latch into en agement with said catch;

and an actuating mechanism for controlling the position of said writing ele'ment, said mechanism including a ldwer portion radially outward of and axially slidable with respect to said writing element and an upper portion extending without said body for manual control of said actuating mechanism, said lower portion being arranged to abut axially a shoulder on said writing element whereby said actuating mechanism can force said writing element'down- 'wardly against the action of said first spring to said projected position, said lower portion also being arranged to slide upwardly along said writing element and over said latch to force said latch out of engagement with said catch against the action of said second spring, whereby said writing element is free to move to said retracted position under the influence of said first spring. i 1' 5. A writing instrument comprising a barrel having a lower end with an opening therethrough; a writing element located within said barrel and movable therein to a retracted position and to a projected position, said element having a writing point which extends through said opening in said'barrel when said element is in said projected position; a first spring located within said barrel and urging said elementtoward said retracted "position; said element including a latch pivotally mounted thereon and engageable with a catch on the inner surface of said barrel whensaid element is in said projected position, said writing element also including asecon'd spring mounted thereon which urges said latch into engagement with said catch; andan actuating mechanism for controlling the position of said writing element, said mechanism including a ring portion within said barrel and surrounding a portion or said writing element and an upper portion, extending without said barrel, for manual control of said actuating mechanism, said ring portion being arranged to abut axially a shoulder on said writing element whereby said actuating mechanism can force said writing element downwardly'against the action of said first spring to said projected position, said ring portion also being arranged to slide upwardly along said writing element and over said latch to force said latch out of engagement with said catch against the action of said second spring, whereby said writing element is free to move to said retracted position under the influence of said first spring, said actuating mechanism including a cap covering the upper end of said instrument and overlapping the upper edge of said barrel, said cap being frictionally engaged with said upper portion of said actuating mechanism.

6. A writing instrument comprising a body including a barrel having a lower end with an opening therethrough; a writing element located substantially within said barrel and movable therein to a retracted position and to a projected position, said element having a writing point which extends through said opening in said barrel when said element is in said projected position; a spring associated with said body and with said writing element and urging said element toward said retracted position; a holding member located above and axially abutting said writing element and movable between a first position. corresponding to said retracted position of said writing element, and a second position, corresponding to said projected position of said writing element, said member including a latch, pivass /3054 7 otally mounted thereon and engageable with a catch on said body when said member is in said second position, said latch being in contact with the upper end .of said writing element whereby said spring, acting through said writing element, resiliently urges said latch into engagement with said catch; and an actuating mechanism for controlling the position of said writing element, said mechanism including a lower portion radially outward of and axially slidable with respect to said holding member and an upper portion extending without said body for manual control of said actuating mechanism, said lower portion being arranged to abut axially a shoulder on said holding member whereby said actuating mechanism can force said holding member and said writing element downwardly against the action of said spring to said second position and said projected position respectively, said lower portion also being arranged to slide upwardly along said holding member and over said latch to force said latch out of engagement with said catch, whereby said holding member and said writing element are free to move to said first position and said retracted position respectively under the influence of said spring.

:7. A writing instrument comprising a barrel having a lower end with an opening therethroilgh; a writing element located within said barrel and movable therein to a retracted position and to a projected position, said element having a writing point which extends through opening in said barrel when said element is in said projected position; a spring located within said barrel and urging said element toward said retracted position; a holding member located within said barrel above and axially abutting said writing element and movable between a first. position, corresponding to said retracted position of said writing element, and a second position, corresponding to said projected position of said writing element, said member ineluding a latch,'pivotal ly mounted thereon at its lower end and engageable at its upper end with a catch on the inner surface of said barrel when said member is in said second position, said latch being at its lower end in contact with the upper end of said writing element whereby said spring, acting through said writing element, resiliently urges the upper end of said latch outwardly into engagement with said catch; and an actuating mechanism for controlling the position of said writing element, said mechanism including a ring portion within said barrel and surrounding a portion of said holding member and an upper portion, extending without said barrel, for manual control of said actuating mechanism, said ring portion being arranged to abut axially a shoulder on said holding member whereby said actuating mechanism can force holding member and said writing element downwardly against the action of said spring to second position and said projected position respectively, said ring portion also being arranged to slide upwardly along said holding member and over said latch to force said latch out of engagement with said catch against the action of said second spring, whereby said holding member and said writing element are free to move to said first position and said retracted position respectively under the influence of said spring.

RICHARD J. MANSHEIM.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 378,297 Myers Mar. 6, 1888 550,599 Vtalker Aug. 18, 1925 2,00,679 Biro May 21, 1946 2,449,218 Gruber l Sept 14, 1948 

